Caribbean and Central America Travel

In the early fifteenth century, the Spanish conquistadores ventured into Central America from the Caribbean Islands, then known as the Spanish colony of New Spain. Spanish efforts to extend their dominion to the area that would be known as El Salvador were firmly resisted by the Pipil and their remaining Mayan-speaking neighbors. Pedro de Alvarado, a lieutenant of Hernan Cortes, led the first effort by Spanish forces in June 1524.

The island of Saint Martin is the smallest island in the world that is divided into two seperate territories. The southern half of the island is part of the Windward islands of the Netherlands Antilles: Sint Maarten. The northern half of the island is an overseas territory of France: Collectivité de Saint-Martin. This entry is about the French half of the island.

This small island however, was first sighted by an Italian, who was and explorer for Spain: Christopher Columbus. It was said that he probably discovered the island on November 11, 1493, on the feast day of Saint Martin of Tours. In honor of the saint, Christopher Columbus named the island after him.
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Sharing the island of Hispanoila with the Dominican Republic, Haiti lives up to is Tainos name, Ayiti, which means “mountainous land.”

Like the other Caribbean islands, Haiti was discovered by the Italian explorer, Christopher Columbus on his voyage to the Americas. Also, like the other Caribbean islands, Haiti had its share of slavery, rebellions and finally, freedom. Modern day Haiti is poverty-stricken, and has fallen victim to urban overpopulation. Though there is unrest in the country, Haiti’s culture remains vibrant with colorful art, sensational music, beautiful nature retreats and passionate people.

As typical in the Caribbean islands, Haiti enjoys a mild tropical climate with only two seasons throughout the year. Haiti, however, has two rainy seasons: from April to May and from September to October. June to September is the hurricane season in the region, though hurricanes don’t last the entire 5 months, it’s up to you if you want to risk vacationing in Haiti during this time.
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Christopher Columbus was the first European to set foot in Guadeloupe. He was on his second trip to the Americas, and set foot on the island, seeking fresh water. Columbus christened the island Santa Maria de Guadalupe de Extremadura, named after the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe.

It was the French however, who were the first European settlers in the island. In the year 1635, the French landed in the island of Basse-Terre and claimed Guadeloupe for France. They drove the native Caribs off the island, established agriculture in the islands and soon, Guadeloupe had its first sugar mill. The island was officially annexed by France in 1674.

Britain made several attempts in invading Guadeloupe. They were able to develop Pointe-à-Pitre into a major harbor, which opened the island to trading with North America and Europe. It was also due to this that Guadeloupean businesses were able to import cheap raw materials and food from America. Guadeloupe reverted back to French rule in 1753 upon the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Guadeloupe is one of France’s 26 regions (as an overseas region). Guadeloupe’s currency is the euro, since it’s considered as part of the European Union. However, Guadeloupe is not part of the Schengen Agreement.
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The Turks & Caicos Islands in the Caribbean are the best beach holiday destination. Enjoying up to 320 days of uninterrupted sunshine a year, these two islands offers pristine beaches and one of the best dive sites in the Caribbean.

The first inhabitants of the islands were the Carib Indians. However, after it was discovered by the Europeans (some say Christopher Columbus, others say Juan Ponce de Leon), these two islands had been under control of various European and Caribbean countries. Today, Turk and Caicos islands are Non-sovereign, Overseas territory of the British crown.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are composed of about a dozen islands and cays. The biggest and most populous island group, the Caicos Islands lays southeast of the Bahamas, seperated by the Caicos Passage. Ninety-six percent of the total land area of the Turks & Caicos Islands are in the northern half, the Caicos group. The biggest population concentration, as well as the urban center of the island group is in the island of Providenciales. Out of the six main islands that make up the Caicos Islands, only four are inhabited.

Separated by the Turks Island Passage from the Caisos Islands, the Turks Islands are composed of two main islands (the only inhabited islands in the group), and several smaller islands.

The islands of the Turks and Caicos are mostly low land, flat limestone, with much marshes and swamps. Though the islands enjoy plenty of sunny days, it is still in the hurricane belt and is frequently affected by hurricanes in the region. Though the island has limited fresh water supply, they are bountiful in spiny lobster, conch and various shellfish.

The Turks and Caicos Islands are famous for the extensive coral reef system that surrounds the islands. Consistently voted as one of the top dive spots in the world, the islands promises divers of excellent visibility, unspoilt reefs, and exotic tropical fishes.